JD PicKell: Why improved credibility as a leader will mean big things for CJ Stroud

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud took the college football world by storm last year, throwing for 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. Entering his second season as the Buckeyes starter, Stroud might be in line for an even more impactful campaign.

In a recent episode of The Hard Count, On3’s J.D. PicKell evaluated Stroud’s growth as a leader. That could prove to be a very beneficial development for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and the rest of the Ohio State offense.

“Ryan Day also said he’s got more credibility now as a leader,” PicKell said of Stroud. “He said last year you’re still trying to figure out how to complete your first pass, win your first game and just kind of walk before you can run. He said he’s got credibility now. And that’s a big deal because as a teammate or as a co-worker or as a student, there is a difference between being told to follow somebody and then willingly following somebody and having buy-in. Those are very, very different things and you get very different results from the latter.

“Think about coaches that you’ve played for and decided actually, you know what, I believe in this guy. I’m in on this guy. He’s shown me he can do what he says he’s going to do. He’s dependable, he’s accountable, he’s a guy that I want to follow. Having buy-in elevates everybody’s game, and it’s scary to think about this Ohio State team having their game elevated from a season ago. Again, going from the quarterback to being the guy, the key ingredient for Ohio State. And that buy-in that it sounds like Ryan Day is communicating that CJ Stroud has, it’s paramount. Cannot be overstated. So that’s a really, really good thing.”

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PicKell: Strong year with Ohio State allowed Stroud to create credibility with himself

Stroud accomplished a lot last year as Ohio State’s quarterback. In addition to his tremendous individual numbers, Stroud led the Buckeyes to 11 wins including a big victory in the Rose Bowl.

Stroud is viewed as a Heisman favorite this year after finishing in fourth a year ago. With high expectations and the looming NFL Draft, Stroud has all the makings of yet another dominant season in 2022.

“In addition to that, talked about creating credibility, I think CJ Stroud’s created some credibility with himself,” added PicKell. “What do I mean by that? There is a level or prove it to me that you have to do to yourself. You have to convince yourself that you can be the guy. Being able to do what he did a season ago and put up such great numbers and win so many big games and play the way he did in the Rose Bowl with no Garrett Wilson, no Chris Olave, I think that has created some credibility for CJ Stroud with himself.

“It’s one thing to get everybody else to believe in you. It’s a whole other deal to have someone look back in the mirror believing in you. That’s a huge deal. And I think that’s going to ultimately elevate his game even more. Because last year was his first year starting. I think he was still trying to prove it to himself. He’s done that now. It’s a great sign for Buckeye fans.”